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Read The News & Observer for tips and advice to make the best choices while shopping for groceries — and more — at traditional grocers and wholesale clubs in North Carolina.
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The News & Observer visited 12 major grocery stores in Raleigh this September, price-checking 30 items across stores to see where shoppers can find the best value and save the most money.
While shopping, we chatted with half a dozen shoppers on their weekly grocery runs to ask what matters most to them in a grocery store. Price was often mentioned, but it wasn’t always the most important factor in stores of choice.
We found ALDI had the best value for 2026, followed by Lidl and Walmart. More expensive grocery stores are still fan favorites for their specific selections, convenience or specialty counters.
What matters most to you in a grocery store? Email me at [email protected] — your response may be used in a future story.
“I don’t really care about brand names. Most of the time, the store brand is on par or a little worse, which doesn’t bother me,” Corine Oliverio, an ALDI shopper, said. “We shop at ALDI the most because it’s the cheaper option for most stores. There’s no money to waste.”
Oliverio lives with Liz Walters, and the pair budget $250 for grocery trips a couple times a week. There is noticeably less food at higher prices. They go for smaller quantities of produce or diary, knowing it won’t mold before they eat it.
As a treat, they will order from a food delivery app with a coupon. Whatever cuisine they opt for that night is split across two days. “It is hard to justify spending money on treats, fun or quality of life things,” Walters said.
“Too expensive,” Brittany Anderson, a mother of four said of today’s prices while shopping in Food Lion. “I don’t spend on material things. We don’t do fun things or go out to eat because I’d rather take care of the house.” Anderson goes grocery shopping every two weeks and spends $300-$400 at more affordable grocers like Food Lion and Walmart.
She also said that healthy items were the most expensive. “I want to do better but can’t afford to. I add vegetables and fruit only when I can afford to have that and have meat in the house.”
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Many customers shop for values and deals on their food necessities. Some maintain memberships at grocery wholesalers to save on items like toilet paper and gas.
“I shop sales and deals between Food Lion, Publix and Harris Teeter,” Donna Threatt said. “Harris Teeter has the weekend deals and Publix has good prices too. I usually come to Food Lion for my quick things because I live near here.”
Threatt says that it is easy for her to spend $30-$40 on four or five items.
“I cook for my dogs because it’s cheaper than buying dog food,” Robyn Minyard said. “I get my produce from Walmart, but I shop at farmer’s markets too. The prices are about the same.”
Minyard cooks meals while trying to create as little waste as possible. Any parts of uneaten produce are tossed to the animals behind their house.
“Prices have really gone up within the last year,” Andrew Clagon said in a Walmart. “I go in for one thing and end up spending $60. My wife shops for deals, but I grab what I need. My dad said if you work for it, you should spend it.”
Even while working, people are noticing that their money doesn’t stretch like it used to.
“I shop meal to meal,” Latasha Brookman said while shopping at Walmart because she lives close by. “On a good day I spend $60 for a meal, on a bad day $150 if the recipe calls for it.”
Brookman shops for anywhere between four and eight people, depending on if her grown children come by for dinner. “I’ve worked for food delivery apps, and grocery prices are easily double what they have been in the past.”
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